CityLink Suspends Micro Transit Study Pending New General Manager Appointment

The Abilene Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) convened on August 19, 2025, to discuss various ongoing projects and financial updates. The meeting began with a review of design projects, specifically focusing on the South Fourteenth and Willis DeSales intersection. It was confirmed that the project primarily involves resurfacing, with additional full-depth patching and drainage improvements planned to address water flow issues from nearby neighborhoods.

Following this, CityLink representatives reported on two key projects. The first was the completion of restroom renovations and repairs, which were finalized in April. The second project, a micro transit conversion study, has been temporarily suspended due to the absence of a general manager at CityLink. Public hearings and stakeholder involvement planned for the fall will resume once a new GM is appointed.

The meeting then transitioned to financial matters, where the MPO reviewed recent expenditures and funding allocations. A work order received on August 14 was discussed, detailing the breakdown of funds, including a 2.5% set-aside for safety under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The MPO reported a remaining balance of $444,808.25 after accounting for expenditures.

In the operations report, the MPO highlighted efforts made from April to August to recreate and convert various reports, including a five-year saturation counts map. Feedback from surrounding counties and cities was incorporated into the traffic count maps, resulting in 43 new location requests.

Director updates included discussions on boundary expansion with TxDOT, which is currently awaiting a meeting with the governor's office to address delays. Additionally, an extension of the current planning agreement with TxDOT was confirmed, now set to expire on September 30, 2027.

The meeting concluded with an opportunity for public comments, during which representatives from Federal Highways were present to engage with attendees. Overall, the meeting addressed significant ongoing projects and financial management, setting the stage for future developments in the Abilene area.